Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

DATE: August 9, 2002  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      AUGUST 9, 2002

On Tuesday, July 30^th, 2002, a luncheon was held at the Reservoir Inn in West Hurley to honor four honorary Long Term Care Ombudsman. Legislative Chairman Ward D. Todd and legislators Alice Tipp, Sue Cummings and Wayne Harris presented Pride of Ulster County Awards to Dolores Fredericks, Helen Forman, Jeanne Bittner and Sam Fratoni for 25 years of dedicated service to the Ulster County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Faith Fish from the New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program was the keynote speaker at the luncheon.

The state’s first Long Term Care Ombudsman Program was established in Ulster County in 1977. Legislator Alice Tipp was instrumental in getting the pilot program in Ulster County 25 years ago. Legislator Tipp has served on several committees, including the advisory committee, for the past 25 years. The Ombudsman Program started with 6 members 25 years ago and now has 22 members in the program.

The purpose of the Ombudsman Program is to improve the quality of life of residents by establishing a link between the resident and the community to reduce the resident’s feeling of isolation and confidentially receiving, investigating and resolving residents’ problems and complaints. For further information about the Ombudsman Program, call the Office for the Aging at 845-340-3456.